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Mental/Behavioral Health

Authorities de-escalate mental health crisis in Fillmore County

March 20--BEAVER TOWNSHIP -- Authorities managed to resolve a situation involving a man suffering a mental health crisis and in possession of a gun Friday night in Fillmore County.

The Fillmore County Emergency Communications Dispatch was notified by the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office at 7:46 p.m. of an individual in a mental health crisis in Fillmore County, and that individual was reported to possess loaded weapons and threatened to harm himself, according to a news release.

About 8:45 p.m., the victim was found in Fillmore County near 110th Avenue and 131st Street in Beaver Township, about one mile west of U.S. Highway 63 and about one mile north of the Iowa border.

The victim was alone in his vehicle and had stopped, according to the Fillmore County Sheriff's Office. A perimeter and containment was set up by deputies, along with Minnesota State Patrol, Mower County Sheriff's deputies and Olmsted County deputies.

Authorities made contact with the victim in attempts to de-escalate the crisis. About 9:20 p.m., the victim attempted to leave the area in his vehicle, and law enforcement was able to disable his vehicle by deflating his tires using "stop sticks."

Eventually, the victim surrendered himself to officers on scene without incident. He was transported to Rochester for a medical mental health evaluation. While searching the vehicle, a loaded handgun was recovered and taken into evidence.

"As Fillmore County Sheriff, I would like to thank and recognize all the officers involved in this situation for their efforts and professionalism that resulted in a peaceful resolution," said Sheriff Tom Kaase.